5 times you need to boost your credit scores fast — and how to do it

Do you need to boost your credit scores — fast? While some diligently work on improving their credit score for a year or more to make a big move like buying a home or refinancing their debt, life might throw you a curveball — and you may need to boost your credit score and ASAP.

In this post, you will learn why these life events are helped enormously by a high credit score, and what you can do to improve yours when:

Your car dies and you need a new one

That new car needs insurance

You have a job interview next week

You need to move — now

Your new home needs utilities

First, here’s a quick breakdown on what is considered excellent, good, fair and poor credit, according to the FICO® credit scoring model:

Exceptional credit is any score of 800 or above. Scores in this range are higher than the national average, and consumers with excellent credit are very likely to be approved for loans and other types of credit.

Very good credit is any score from 740 to 799. Consumers with scores in this range are very likely to get approved for the loans they want with competitive interest rates.

Good credit is any score from 670 to 739. Borrowers in this range are typically considered “acceptable,” and they may or may not get approval for loans with the best rates and terms.

Fair credit includes scores from 580 to 669. If your credit score falls in this range, you may be denied credit cards and loans. If you do get approved, you will likely pay higher fees and a higher interest rate.

Very poor credit is any FICO® Score that is 579 or lower. People in this range are usually denied when they apply for unsecured credit cards or loans.

You need a new car but your credit score is low

Maybe you’ve been saving up for a new car — but are not ready to buy yet. Perhaps you have an accident, or the transmission unceremoniously dies.

Bottom line: You need a new car, but you don’t have cash — even for a used vehicle.

Luckily, there are lots of car financing options. But to get a good rate, you need good credit. What do you do if your score is poor — or you don’t have credit?

The difference even between fair and good credit can mean $200 or more per month on an auto loan payment!

Quick credit fix: Check out Experian Boost™*, an online tool that helps the majority of users increase their FICO®** Score by an average of 13 points, immediately. Experian Boost is unique in that it considers utility and telecom bills like your electric, cable and phone bills when calculating your credit scores. Experian Boost is 100% free, does not hurt your credit scores and takes just 5 minutes to complete (more details below on how Experian Boost works, and a review).

Longer-term credit fix: Take steps to build your credit if you don’t have any. Or, commit to repairing your credit.

That new car needs insurance — but your credit score makes it more expensive

If a low credit score has already hampered your new-car experience, just wait until you shop for auto insurance. Car insurance companies often factor your credit history into the insurance rate they charge you.

According to The Zebra’s “State of Auto Insurance Report,” drivers with poor credit scores (524 or lower in this case) have an average insurance premium of $2,411 per year, while drivers with excellent credit scores (823+) pay $1,130 on average — a savings of 53%!

The report also found that improving from one credit tier to the next (fair to good), saves 17% on average.

You need to move — now. But your credit score is low

Maybe you are in a bad roommate situation, you are breaking up with a boyfriend or going through a divorce. Perhaps your landlord gave you short notice to move, or a major repair means you can’t live in your home for the foreseeable future. Or — you’re living with your parents, they are annoying, and you need to move before things get ugly.

Unexpectedly having to relocate is always stressful and expensive — and if you have a poor credit history, your options may be severely limited. Landlords almost always check your credit to make sure there is a good chance you will pay your rent on time, and not break any lease. A poor credit check may mean you have to put down a larger deposit.

Your new home needs utilities — but your credit score won’t turn the lights on

Utilities like electric, gas, phone, internet, cable, water and sewer often do a credit check before you can sign up for the service. If your credit is poor, the utility may require you to put down a deposit, or get a co-signer first.

3. Click the button to verify that you want your bills to be included in your Experian credit report, and let Experian Boost do its magic on your FICO® Score.

4. Watch your FICO® Score improve. This is a screenshot from a member of my closed Facebook group, Millionaire Single moms:

5. Once you are plugged into Experian Boost, the service will continue to monitor your credit scores and report for free, as well as a factor in your positive utility payment — which will benefit your credit scores long term.

How much does Experian Boost cost?

Is Experian Boost safe? Is Experian Boost legit?

Yes. Experian is one of the three leading credit reporting bureaus, overseen by lots of federal regulation, and has an “A” Better Business Bureau rating.

Bottom line on Experian Boost

This is a great new credit product from a reputable company that has some very cool features, including an immediate, free credit scores and report, and a free, easy way to boost your credit scores.

While a small credit score increase will not change your life, it is a nice step toward a bigger credit and debt goal. The use of positive bill payment can help millions of Americans improve their finances.